PM says Bahamas stands with Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said the government of The Bahamas stands in solidarity with Sri Lanka following the Easter Sunday bombings.

On April 21, three Christian churches and three hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka, were targeted in a series of coordinated terrorist suicide bombings which left at least 321 people dead and hundreds more injured.

Speaking about the attacks on Monday, Minnis said, “Sri Lanka is a fellow member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The government of The Bahamas sent [its] condolences and expression of solidarity to the government and people of Sri Lanka.

“When I heard of the terrorist attacks I recalled a part of my Easter message, in which I reminded the nation [that] we are blessed to live in a generally peaceful land devoid of ethnic strife and war, though we must continue to confront the violence in our land.

“We are blessed to live in a country where there is religious freedom and freedom of association and worship. We stand with the world community in defense of human dignity and tolerance.

“The God of love and hope makes his face to shine on all of his creation and children regardless of circumstance of birth, and regardless of religious affiliation or denomination. Bahamians and residents are able to worship freely and in safety.”

Dozens of suspects have been arrested in relation to the attacks, according to Sri Lankan authorities.

Last week, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attacks via its Amaq news agency.